Coastal lawsuit won't move back to state court

A coastal damage lawsuit that a south Louisiana flood board filed against more than 90 oil, gas and pipeline companies will remain in federal court.

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown on Friday declined to move the case back to state court in New Orleans, where it was originally filed by lawyers for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East.

The flood board's attorneys had wanted the case moved back to state court. But Brown ruled that the lawsuit raises federal issues that should remain in federal court.

The future of the lawsuit remains in question.

Gov. Bobby Jindal recently signed a bill forbidding the board from pursuing the suit. However, supporters of the suit question its constitutionality and say it will be challenged in court.